Celebrate America’s 250th on the Ultimate Class Trip Adventure!

The Fourth of July is upon us, and all eyes are on the night skies as we commemorate our independence. But next year, the eyes of the world will be focused on America as we celebrate our 250^th anniversary. Now you can celebrate America’s 250^th on the ultimate class trip adventure!

A Moment in History

As the nation’s semi-quincentennial (it’s a real word!) draws near, destinations big and small will be marking the occasion with exciting special events and activities. When you plan a class trip in 2026, your students will be right in the middle of this historical moment.

There are tons of terrific spots that are perfect for a class trip. Here are a few of our favorite ideas….

Washington D.C.

Washington, D.C. will be a centerpiece of America’s 250^th! Institutions like the National Archives, National Gallery of Art, and National Portrait Gallery will host exhibitions on American identity, freedom, and history.

Highlights include “Road to Revolution” at the National Archives and “51 Steps to Freedom Trail”, an augmented reality experience exploring hidden histories throughout the city (very cool!)

Students can also tour the Smithsonian Museum Collection, stop at Arlington National Cemetery, visit Ford’s Theatre, or check out the National Zoo.

Our nation’s capital is homebase for America’s 250^th anniversary… the possibilities for your class trip are endless!

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As the birthplace of American democracy, Philadelphia will naturally be a focal point for festivities. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell at Independence National Historical Park will take center stage as America’s Revolutionary history comes to vibrant life.

Be sure to round out your itinerary with stops at Valley Forge, the Betsy Ross House, African American Museum, the Franklin Museum, and the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History.

New York City, New York

From Fraunces Tavern to the 9/11 Memorial site, New York City is a hotbed of American history.

Visit the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, followed by a stop at Alexander Hamilton’s grave at Trinity Churchyard. Or explore the stories of immigrants at Ellis Island and get a peek at their daily lives at the Lower East Side Tenement Museum.

Whatever you choose to see or do, be sure to take in a Broadway show (Hamilton, perhaps? 😉) followed by a cast meet and greet!

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is celebrating America’s 250th birthday in a BIG way with Boston 250—a yearlong commemoration of its revolutionary roots and ongoing legacy of activism and innovation.

Students visiting Boston during this historic milestone will experience:

• Live reenactments of pivotal events like the Boston Tea Party.
• Interactive exhibits and public art installations that explore Boston’s role in shaping American democracy.
• Citywide events, including parades, performances, and educational programs that invite students to reflect on civic responsibility, social justice, and the evolving meaning of freedom.

This is a chance for students to walk the same streets as Paul Revere, stand where protests sparked revolutions, and engage with the past in ways that connect directly to the present.

National Parks

A trip to one of our spectacular national parks is a terrific way to celebrate America’s natural heritage legacy. The National Park Service is the proud steward of these sacred and historical places and will be offering special programs and other opportunities throughout 2026.

And while they are all incredible spots, we’re spotlighting a few student standouts…

Yellowstone

President Ulysses S. Grant established Yellowstone National Park on March 1, 1872, making it the world’s first national park. In 1883, the arrival of the railroad made Yellowstone accessible to visitors – and they’ve been enjoying it ever since!

The most popular attraction at Yellowstone National Park is iconic Old Faithful, one of nearly 500 geysers at the park. This cone geyser spews 3,700 – 8,400 gallons of boiling water roughly 20 times per day (averaging 90 minutes between eruptions.)

Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is a rare and immersive journey into the heart of ancient American history. Here you’ll find some of the best-preserved cliff dwellings in North America. Mesa Verde gives students a firsthand look at the ingenuity and culture of the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here more than 700 years ago.

Students can explore archaeological wonders like Cliff Palace and Balcony House, hike scenic trails through rugged canyons, and engage with interactive exhibits at the Visitor and Research Center. The park also offers educational resources tailored for student groups, including ranger-led programs and downloadable learning packets.

Mount Rushmore

Ok… technically Mount Rushmore is a national memorial…but still a fantastic student destination!

This iconic monument, carved into the granite cliffs of South Dakota’s Black Hills, features the faces of four influential U.S. presidents—George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln—each representing a defining chapter in American history.

Mount Rushmore is participating in America’s 250th anniversary celebration in a variety of ways, but most notably will include a jaw-dropping fireworks display on July 4, 2026.

9 National Parks Your Students Will Love

Make History and Join the Excitement of America’s 250th Celebration

Excitement for America’s 250^th is building across the country. It’s the perfect time to engage students in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be part of this unique moment in history! These are just a few ideas for the getting in on the fun – and there are so many more!

Click Here for More Great Ideas to Celebrate America’s 250th!

Plan with a Pro Partner

Kaleidoscope Adventures hasn’t been around for a quarter of a millennial, but it has been a student travel industry leader for more than three decades!

Since 1993, Kaleidoscope Adventures has been the conduit for travel experiences that teach, inspire, encourage, and allow students to explore the world around them. Our pro team has countless ideas for a trip that’s just right for you.

We make it easy SO easy to plan your class trip…

• Expert planning team
• Online registration and payments
• Convenient crowdfunding options
• Impeccable customer service from start to finish

Plan Your Ultimate Class Trip for America’s 250th!